Radiation Configuration Factors Using Light in Furnace Models

In problems involving the exchange of heat energy by radiation between bodies, it becomes necessary to know what areas of the bodies in question “see each other.” Those factors expressing mutual visibilities are known as “configuration factors.” Configuration factors have usually been determined either by mathematical analysis and computation, or by actual experiment with bodies radiating heat energy. This paper introduces an experimental method of determining configuration factors by employing models of furnace cavities and utilizing the exchange of “light” energy instead of “heat” energy.